Cove Security

Cove Security Review

Cove Smart Security is a newer home security system provider, but the founding team has over 30 years of combined experience in the industry. Cove Smart Security stands out among competitors for creating processes prioritizing the customer and selling high-quality equipment with no contracts.

Pros

• Lifetime equipment warranty
• Cancel any time
• Professional-grade home security systems
• Easy customization with straightforward pricing
• No-hassle ordering

Cons

• New Company with short business history

Cove DIY Security Systems

Most retirees prefer to live in their homes, enjoying the benefits of aging in place. However, it’s not unusual for seniors to be concerned about break-ins and robberies. Buying a DIY home security system can keep the price down since you are the installer, and there are no labor costs. DIY home security systems are easier to install than ever before, and Cove won’t lock you into a long-term contract.

Whether you live in a house or an apartment or you want to secure your business, Cove has an affordable security system with many flexible options. For example, individuals and couples living alone can add a $20 medical alert button to get emergency help quickly via the Cove system. A business may want to install $15 glass break sensors as well as sensors that detect someone opening a window.

Flexible Home Security with Cove

The Cove control panel is the “brains” of the security system. Here you establish a connection with the sensors and enter your preferred settings. Sensors provide smash and crash detection and sound the alarm if a door or window opens while the alarm is engaged. You can also add smoke, flood and carbon monoxide detectors and a medical alert button to a Cove Security System. If you prefer, arm just one door or certain windows instead of all of them.

Cove Equipment and Options

All Cove components are among the easiest to install, require no tools or wiring, include a five-year battery, run a self-check every hour and deliver customized alerts. Lifetime warranties are available with some plans. The costs for Cove equipment are per unit. When we configured sample systems, the prices were lower.

Cove Touch Control Panel

All Cove home security systems start with the Cove Touch control panel. Cove Touch resembles a small tablet, blends in with any decor and is easy to arm and disarm. The panel guides new customers through setting up their system with step-by-step instructions and animations. The Cove Touch panel includes a built-in security alarm and two-way audio capabilities to communicate with a Cove Live Assist representative. The panel runs on electricity with a battery backup. Cost: $184

Door and Window Sensors

Cove door and window sensors are compatible with any window or door that opens. These sensors tell you if someone opens a door or window and triggers a loud alarm. Cost: $15

Motion Detectors

Cove motion detectors provide a second line of home security. These sensors are generally installed in the corner of a room and surveil large areas for movement. You can use Cove motion detectors in a home with pets that weigh up to 45 pounds. Cost: $30

Cove Remote

Cove wireless remotes are key fobs that deactivate the security system by pressing a button instead of entering a PIN on the panel. The system works with multiple remotes, with a 100-yard range from the control panel. The key fobs have a panic button to alert local authorities even when the Cove Touch security panel is disarmed. Cost: $25

Glass Break Detectors

Cove’s glass break detectors sound an alarm if a window shatters within 15 feet of the unit. One detector covers multiple windows with 360-degree detection. Cost: $35

Smoke Detectors

Cove smoke detectors sense a fire early and automatically notify the local fire department. Cost: $30

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm, and a Cove monitoring professional immediately notifies the customer. Cost: $50

Flood Sensor

Flood sensors are useful near water heaters, in bathrooms or anywhere there is running water. Cove’s flood sensors also detect freeze conditions to prevent potential leaks. Cost: $20

Medical Alert Button

Cove’s medical alert button is waterproof and portable, and it has an LED light for alert notifications. Customers can wear the button on a lanyard around their neck and keep one by their bedside. Unlike some medical alert wearables, this button does not have fall detection. Cost: $20

How to Install a Cove Security System

Cove security systems arrive in a box with two clearly-marked sections. Section one holds the control panel, and section two has the sensors and other equipment you ordered. Installation is very straightforward.

1. Remove the control panel and plug it into an outlet.
2. Tap the Start button when it appears on the display.
3. Choose and enter a four-digit passcode to protect the system controls.
4. The panel then walks you through installing and testing motion, window and door sensors. Sensors use double-sided tape, so you won’t need a drill and screwdriver.
5. If your system has a remote control, the Cove panel tells you how to connect it to the system. This requires one press of a button.
6. Finally, set the time the alarm should activate, and you’re finished.

Cove Security Costs

The final cost of a Cove Security system depends on how it’s configured. We tried three options using Cove’s step-by-step ordering and received the prices quoted below. While motion detectors go a long way to protect your property, most homes or apartments probably need more window sensors than Cove recommended. Each order came with a free indoor security camera, a yard sign and three window stickers.

Economy vs. Value Plan

Monthly professional monitoring fees are $15 to $25 with the Value Plan or $25 to $35 with the Economy Plan. The Economy Plan cuts upfront costs drastically but requires committing to 36 months of service with Cove professional monitoring. If you change your mind over the three years, you can cancel and pay for the cost of the system you didn’t pay for at the time you ordered.

Monitoring plans are called Cove Basic ($15 or $25) and Cove Plus ($25 or $35). Both provide full round-the-clock assistance for emergencies and send help if you do not disengage an alarm. The Plus plan includes extras like smartphone control, Alexa and Google Home voice control, a lifetime rate lock on monitoring fees and more.

How to Buy Cove Security Systems

Configure your security system on Cove’s website, and you’ll see prices for each component. You can adjust the equipment included in your order before you check out, or you can skip the configuration quiz and order from a list of options. Unless you live in a small apartment, you’ll probably need to add window sensors to the order. You can save your configuration by entering your email address.

Total costs vary from system to system, but individual component costs do not, as as shown in the price chart above. Cove clearly shows per-unit pricing and the total for the Value Plan or Economy Plan. Choose your plan and complete the order online. You’ll receive the security system in two to five days.

Cove Security Complaints

Cove Smart, LLC received Better Business Bureau accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the BBB. Ninety-six percent of over 420 consumers give Cove Security 5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with the remaining offering a 4-star rating. Cove ranks 4.3 out of 5 on ConsumerAffairs.

TechHive rates the company 3.5 out of 5 stars because it says Cove has no security cameras. This is not the case, and other reviews published around the same time note camera availability. BestCompany gives Smart Cove security systems 8.4 on a scale of 10, citing just one drawback: the company is newer. Cove fares better with customers who reviewed the systems on BestCompany with an average score of 4.8 out of 5.

Complaints had only minor criticism, such as not liking the website or a weak cell signal preventing the system from working. Cove’s customer service and monitoring center earn consistently high reviews. Consumers also point out these security systems are dummy-proof to install and that tech support is very patient.

Cove Security FAQ

• Can I move a Cove sensor?

  You may decide to paint or remodel a room and need to move a Cove sensor. The website has instructions for taking sensors down in minutes, and you can order more two-sided tape to reinstall.

• Do Cove security systems come with a mobile app?

  Cove has a mobile app for iPhone and Android devices. Use the app to arm or disarm the home security system from anywhere. For additional peace of mind, the app notifies you via text message or email when the system disarms or if an alarm goes off.

• How do I get replacement batteries for a Cove home security system?

  Sensors and remote controls and medical pendants run on CR2032, CR2450 or CR123A batteries. Smoke and freeze detectors use AAA batteries. You can buy these batteries at most big box stores like Walmart or Costco, or electronics retailers.

  The Cove Touch control panel backup battery is proprietary, so you’ll need to contact Cove for a replacement.

• How does the 60-day risk-free trial work for Cove security systems?

  All customers are eligible for Cove’s 60-day risk-free trial. If you decide the security system is not for you, contact Cove and ship the equipment back before 60 days pass after your purchase. Cove refunds 100% of your costs.

• Can I add sensors or detectors to my Cove security system?

  Yes, you can add any components, including key fobs and medical alert pendants, to your Cove system at any time. Chat online or call a customer service agent to tell them what you want to add. There’s a $5 shipping fee, but shipping is free with your initial order.

• What if my home Wi-Fi goes down? Will Cove still protect my property?

  Cove security systems do not rely on your home Wi-Fi to protect your home. The systems communicate via cell signal and work in the majority of the U.S. If you are concerned about the signal strength in your location, talk to a Cove representative before you place an order.

Conclusion

Cove’s founders set up the company to provide superior customer service with easy-to-install and use home security systems. Based on consumer reviews, Cove continues to meet those goals. The security system installation is straightforward and both equipment and professional monitoring costs are budget-friendly. Cove’s home security equipment is professional-grade with step-by-step guidance to set up a reliable system in minutes.

To learn more about Cove’s Home Security System, visit their website.